It doesn’t take long to realise Iceland isn’t finished yet. Drive east of its cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavik, to cross a lava desert, witness the earth gasp and, at Skógafoss, see a river fall from the sky. Past Vik, glaciers grind on to beaches as black as soot. It feels less a road trip than a Viking saga – not bad for one day! Not enough time for a two-week circuit? My tip is balance Reykjavik with the untamed Westfjords.
Witnessing a country being born is half the appeal. The other is joining locals who treat their raw surroundings like a giant adventure playground. What do you fancy – hiking up active volcanoes, diving between tectonic plates in the Thingvellir National Park, riding Viking horses or simply lolling in the geothermic Blue Lagoon?
Apparently, 20% of Icelanders believe in elves. Spend time in this real Middle Earth and who’s to say they’re wrong?
4 holidays match your criteria.
Experience some of Iceland's most majestic landscapes in just 3 or 4 days.
Visit Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland in just two weeks
This holiday gives you the chance to experience the incredible natural wonders that Iceland offers, whilst also providing exceptional Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Iceland is an island unlike any other; with lava fields, hot spring lagoons, glaciers, volcanoes and geysers all while searching for the Aurora. Max group size 16 approx
Complete Iceland's most famous hiking trail across the Fjallaback from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork
